Posted on: October 10th, 2002
Sampras Keeping Fit, Pondering One Last Wimbledon
- petepage[Oct. 10, 2002 OSSIAN SHINE, Reuters] He is mulling over retirement and has promised a decision next month, but right now Pete Sampras is keeping himself in tip-top shape while pondering one last assault on Wimbledon.
The American is only too aware that last month's glorious run to the U.S. Open title would serve as a perfect epitaph, but the man who has won more grand slam crowns than anyone else in history still has some scores to settle.
According to coach and friend Paul Annacone, the 31-year-old still hankers for a French Open crown and would love to leave Wimbledon on a high.
"I'm sure that in his mind he thinks that if he can stay focused like he did at the U.S. Open, he can win Roland Garros," Annacone told www.tennisreporters.net.
"And I know how upset he was at Wimbledon."
Having won seven Wimbledon crowns, Sampras slumped out in the second round this year in one of the lowest points of his career.
Earlier this week the 31-year-old said: "I always think about going back to Wimbledon... there is no guarantee I would win there but I would be able to end my time there on a more positive note."
STILL TRAINING
While Sampras ponders his future -- weighing up the birth of his first child later this year and a settled home life against another year on the tennis circuit -- the fact he is still training despite having already quit for the year might give a clue to his leanings.
Having ended a two-year barren run in such stupendous fashion in New York to win his 14th grand slam title last month, Sampras is enjoying tennis again and has the hunger for another tilt at a major title.
"He's still hitting the gym and track and practicing a little," Annacone said.
"He knows that he can't go cold turkey for three months if he's going to have a chance at another major.
"Playing tennis is fun for him again and, after winning the Open, he now knows he can play at a high level once again.
"The tricky and tough part of the decision for Pete will be deciding whether he can maintain a positive attitude week in and week out if he loses some matches; and whether he is willing work enough to maintain a high level.
"He would have to develop a schedule that will allow himself to keep sharp and be ready to go at the majors.
"First he has to make an emotional commitment to himself. Then he has to say to himself and to me that he'll keep positive and not let losing eat away at him if he happens to lose.
"As far as I'm concerned, the guy is one of my best friends and I want him to be happy. He's still evolving and needs to consider what stage of life he's at."
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